Page 39 of Strip Bare

“Leo has cereal on a Thursday,” Kit said, yawning as he walked into the room and headed for the cupboard, passing me a fresh box of the brand I liked. “Noticed you were getting low so I grabbed you one when I was at the store.”

My throat went dry and I blinked several times as I accepted the box. Jesus, was I really getting emotional over cereal?

“Xander and I were thinking about going to a karaoke bar tonight, Kit, do you want to come?” Saylor placed her spoon in the bowl gently and I took it from her, placing it in the sink for later.

“And where’s my invite?” I grumbled and Saylor shot me a look.

“Do you want to come to the loud bar filled with people who can’t sing, spilling drinks on an already-sticky floor, Leo?”

Smartass. She knew there was nothing I’d hate more—except having to be the one singing, maybe. “Sounds great.”

Kit laughed. “Well, I can’t come. I have my showcase tonight so I’ll be on campus for most of the evening.”

“Ah, yes,” I said, glancing between the two of them. “Kit’s showcase. I also have that to attend. Sorry. So sad to miss out on all the fun.”

“Did somebody say fun?” Bryn strolled in and Xander raised an eyebrow.

“How did you get in here?”

“I have a key,” Bryn said in her best duh voice and I struggled to keep a straight face. “What’s this fun you speak of? I can’t remember a time of fun, not with exam prep happening.”

“Speaking of.” I stuck a spoon in my bowl and paused next to Kit, pressing a quick kiss to his cheek and hoping it seemed couple-y enough for Saylor but friend-y enough for Kit. “Thank you for the cereal. I’m going to go study in my room.”

“Anytime,” Kit murmured and we locked eyes for a moment before I escaped up into my bedroom.

* * *

I jolted upright, my eyes flying wide as I fumbled for my phone, desperate to check the time. It was dark outside and worry filled me. Surely I hadn't missed Kit's event. I never missed one of Kit's events. I’d fallen asleep on top of my textbook and it felt like I had one of the pages embedded in my cheek.

"Relax, it doesn't start for another hour,” Saylor said gently and I laid back down again, breathing easier and not even questioning why she was in my room.

"You could have led with that instead of letting me panic."

"I did lead with that," she said dryly and I rolled my eyes.

“Why did you come back really?” I prodded and she shrugged.

“I don’t know. I just felt like I wasn’t done here and with my internship wrapped up for now… I just figured I’d do what felt right.”

I nodded, accepting that. Saylor had her own mind and I knew she was more than capable of deciding what she wanted for herself. "Are you going to look at any other colleges?"

She shook her head. "I think Mom just wanted an excuse to see you. You know what she's like."

And I did. She was a worrier.

"I think she feels better after seeing you with Kit, knowing you have someone."

That sent a flare of guilt through me, but I just nodded slightly, keeping my eyes on the ceiling instead of meeting the question I could hear in Saylor's voice.

"Kit's great," I said truthfully and she nodded.

"Don't let him get away," she said quietly and I opted not to respond even as my heart sped up. Did she know? "I don't think you'll ever forgive yourself otherwise."

* * *

The art department typically held their showcases in the same place every year and today was no exception. The large auditorium had been cleared of the previous year's artwork and new pieces decorated the walls or were propped up on podiums. The chatter in the room made me grit my teeth, the echoes grating along my nerves until I spotted Kit and relief filled me.

The artists hovered next to their stands, ready to take questions or describe their piece, but for the most part people simply walked around and admired what was on display. They'd keep this batch of artwork up until the next showcase, free for other students to come in and explore at any time. It was one of the things I loved most about Radclyffe—they truly loved and valued the arts. I was an appreciator, not a creator like Kit, but I was still proud that unlike so many other colleges in the US, Radclyffe was proud of their creative departments and made them the highlight of their institution.

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